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Citizen Police Academy

A program of citizens and law enforcement officers working together to make Wichita and Sedgwick County a better and safer place to live and work sponsored by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Wichita Police Department, and Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

What is it?

The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a thirteen week program designed to provide a working knowledge and background of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and Wichita Police Department and to foster a closer relationship between our agencies and the community. It provides an avenue for community involvement and provides first hand experience of policing.

Purpose

The Citizen Police Academy is intended to develop a harmonious working relationship between members of the community and law enforcement while at the same time opening a mutually supportive avenue for communication.

It is an opportunity for citizens to learn more about their local law enforcement, ask questions, and gain a more thorough understanding of the inner workings of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Wichita Police Department. The Academy is also a means for participants and police personnel to share information and ideas about the police profession. The Academy also provides for improved community/police relationships, enhanced cooperation, and reduced stereotyping.

Academy Topics and Courses

Some of the topics and activities Academy attendees will participate in include:

Patrol operations including riding assignments with a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy or Wichita Police Officer.

Tour of the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility including an opportunity to sample jail food.

Overview of Community Affairs and Community Policing.

Air Section helicopter "fly-in" and presentation.

Traffic radar demonstration.

SWAT Team demonstration.

Bomb Squad demonstration.

Who attends the Citizen Police Academy?

Persons from all walks of life. They include concerned citizens, Neighborhood Association members, Citizen Participation Organization members, members of the media, college students, potential sheriff or police applicants, factory workers, independent business people, city and county workers, Neighborhood Watch members, and many others.

What are the requirements to attend the CPA?

Persons interested in attending a Citizen Police Academy must live, work, or attend school within Sedgwick County. Persons must be at least 20 years of age, have no prior felony convictions and no outstanding warrants. Applicants must provide two personal references.

When is the Citizen Police Academy held?

There are two Academies held a year, one in the Spring and Fall. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. during the Spring session and on Tuesday evenings during the Fall session for 13 weeks.

Where is the Citizen Police Academy held?

The Citizen Police Academy is held at the Wichita - Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Center, 2235 W. 37th Street North.

Why should I attend the CPA?

To learn and understand more about the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Wichita Police Department and to become more involved in your community. Everyone who attends the CPA returns to their communities as better informed citizens capable of using their newly acquired information to help improve the conditions and quality of life in their community. Many graduates of the CPA go on to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) to further advance their knowledge of law enforcement and become more actively involved with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and Wichita Police Department. Various volunteer opportunities are available to CPA graduates through CPAAA membership.